PIA Press Release2008/11/13

Bangko Sentral sets info campaign in Iloilo City

Iloilo City (13 November) -- The Ilonggos will be updated of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) role in economic development on Friday during a Public Information Campaign to be held at the West Visayas State University, this City.

According to Director Antonio B. Cintura of the Department of Economic Research of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Public Information Campaign is conducted by the BSP all throughout the country to increase public awareness of "its role in the country's economic development and enhance further the transparency of monetary policy.

Cintura said that Deputy Director Emando S. de Leon will come to Iloilo City to conduct an audio visual presentation and discussion on the Role of BSP in the Philippine Economy.

Other resource persons with their topics include Mr. Eduardo Jimenez, Microfinance Consultant- Microfinance; and Recent Economic Developments by Ms. Amy Doreen S. Cruz also of the DER, BSP.

It will be recalled that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas recently launched at the BSP Complex in Malate, Manila the Economic and Financial Learning Center to provide the public with information services, programs and materials in the areas of central banking, economics and finance.

The EFLC complements and reinforces existing channels of BSP communication with its stakeholders through exhibits and audio visual presentations designed to deepen undertaking and enhance appreciation of issues relevant to the BSP.

The BSP press report disclosed that Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. said the establishment of the EFLC with its integrated, interactive approach to in-house information dissemination and communication, further strengthens the BSP's commitment to the promotion of economic and financial education. (PIA)

Commentary: Malacaņang not distracted by surveys

San Fernando City, La Union (13 November) -- Prices of petroleum products seem to be abating which gives the public a sense of relief, temporarily.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, even while on official trips abroad, is focusing on a sustained economic growth in order to promote investments as a means to cushion the impact of the global financial turmoil.

All these can form the backdrop of the President's agenda to counter critical issues and move forward in meeting the fundamental social and economic challenges.

Malacaņang officials said that the President is giving top priority in carrying out the programs and projects to improve the lives of Filipinos and will not be distracted by opinion surveys.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, also presidential spokesman, said no amount of survey could divert the President's attention from pressing issues such as the economy and ensuring that the people have food on the table despite the dire prospects of a global recession or economic slowdown next year.

The Arroyo government battled the odds and with good results to show. But skeptics may view this claim with negative sentiments dominating in the President's disapproval rating on her performance, particularly in Metro Manila which appeared to be the most critical of the President.

Given the extreme volatility in the global economy, the government has no time to waste on surveys and that President Arroyo's efforts are focused on the vibrancy of the Philippine business and investment climate while advancing the pro-poor agenda and revenue generating measures to prop up the Philippine economy from the looming global recession.

No world leader, no matter how popular, was never criticized by his or her constituents at one time or another. (PIA-ROI) [top]